Avoiding alcohol at a work event like a holiday party or team happy hour can be especially difficult. There is often a lot of pressure not only to fit in with peers but also to make a good impression on your supervisors or clients. However, if you are in recovery or trying to stay sober, it’s important to make a plan for how to handle events with alcohol. Carry a drink in your hand at all times so that co-workers will be less likely to offer to bring you one. You can also offer a simple explanation with as much truth as you feel comfortable with. Redirect the conversation to something else quickly. And finally, don’t be afraid to leave if you know it’s what’s best for your health. Don’t feel pressured to do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with just because it’s an office event.
Avoiding Alcohol at a Work Event: Office Parties and Happy Hours
Have a Drink in Your Hand
One of the best ways to avoid alcohol at a work event, or any kind of event, is to carry a drink in your hand at all times. You could opt for a mocktail in a fancy glass, or ask the bartender to serve a virgin drink in a highball glass. Looking like you’re already set with a drink will hopefully prevent co-workers from offering to get you another.
Simple Explanation
Another way of avoiding alcohol at a work event is to have a simple explanation for why you aren’t drinking. You don’t have to go into a lot of detail about your recovery or personal reasons for abstaining. You can say something as simple as “alcohol gives me headaches.” or “I don’t feel well when I drink.” Or you can use reasons like “I’m working on my health” or trying to lose weight. It’s perfectly fine to tell a small white lie for the sake of your recovery success.
Redirect
If it feels like you avoiding alcohol at a work event is going to become a topic of a long discussion, redirect the conversation to something else. Ask if your co-worker has tried the appetizers. Or come up with some topics beforehand that you can bring up in these types of situations. You can also simply step aside and say you need to make a phone call and exit the conversation.
Leave if Necessary
Finally, if you’re avoiding alcohol at a work event and things become uncomfortable for you, it’s fine to leave. The most important thing is your health. If you are feeling too much pressure to join in, or if you feel like you are being tempted too much, make your exit. You can even have a pre-planned excuse for leaving early if you know things will get rowdy later on.
Avoiding alcohol at a work event can be an awkward situation to navigate since there is pressure from co-workers and supervisors. However, your recovery is more important than impressing work associates. And if you do not handle alcohol well, the result of your drink could be even more damaging. Prioritize your health and wellness by taking steps to avoid getting into pressurizing situations. Carry a non-alcoholic drink around at all times or have a quick explanation about why you aren’t joining in. In addition, redirect the conversation away from alcohol whenever possible. And finally, know when to call it quits and leave. No amount of work success is worth giving up all the progress you’ve made in recovery.
